The slogan “Parents matter” played a significant role in Governor Glenn Youngkin’s election victory in a closely contested race. However, the question remains: has his administration truly prioritized the concerns of parents since taking office?
On April 24, 2024, a concerned citizen reached out to Lisa Coons, Virginia’s superintendent of public instruction appointed by Youngkin, regarding President Joe Biden’s controversial rewrite of Title IX. The individual urged Coons to join other state education leaders in opposing the new Title IX rules that many believe to be unfair and possibly unconstitutional.
The email highlighted several issues with Biden’s revision of Title IX, including concerns about the conflation of biological sex and gender, the importance of maintaining female-only spaces in sports, and the violation of First Amendment rights through compelled speech. Despite these valid concerns, there was a lack of response from Coons or her office.
In a positive development, Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that Virginia would be joining a multi-state lawsuit challenging the federal Department of Education’s changes to Title IX. However, this action raises questions about the administration’s overall responsiveness to parents’ concerns.
Governor Youngkin’s early executive orders, such as prohibiting divisive concepts in public schools and allowing parents to decide on mask mandates, were seen as symbolic gestures that lacked significant implementation. Concerned parents who reached out for assistance or clarification often found themselves met with sympathetic responses but little concrete action.
A particular concern raised by a parent in Virginia involved the definition of “unexcused absence” in public schools, which granted the government undue power over parental rights. Despite attempts to address this issue with Coons, there was no response, leaving parents feeling unheard and frustrated.
The experiences shared by parents in Virginia and Indiana highlight a broader concern about the true commitment of political leaders to prioritize parental rights. While slogans like “Parents matter” may resonate with voters, actions speak louder than words. Parents are not pawns for political gain but active participants in shaping their children’s education and future.
As parents continue to advocate for their rights and seek meaningful action from elected officials, the importance of genuine engagement and responsiveness cannot be overstated. Politicians must demonstrate their commitment to supporting parents and empowering them to make decisions that are in the best interest of their children.
